MGM or Magic Kingdom for 1st-timers?

[DestinationFlorida]

I am 25 and am going this weekend to Disney World for the first time. I am definitely going to Epcot, but I cannot decide between MGM and Magic Kingdom. Can anyone give me their insight who has been in this situation before and eventually went to both MGM and Magic?

Thanks!

 

[susy]

Definitely the MK!!!!! MGM i fun, bt there is a lot o shows, so there is the "timing them" issue. MK is more classic disney rides and IMO is a lot more fun now than when I was a child! Just wait until you see the castle. It almost doesn't look real!

 

[susy]

BTW, what days are you doing the parks? Where are you staying?

My tips for first timers:

1.get there EARLY- I am talking like an hour early. If there are any empty turnstiles stand there. Don't "line up" behind people. They will open all the turnstiles.
2.Hit all the main attractions first. Even if you have to back track later.
3. don't lug a lot of stuff to the parks. I am a minimalist here, even though I am not anywhere else. I wear a fanny pack- park pass, id, ins. card, room key, credit card, cash, wipes, a small ziploc with first aid items- tylenol, bandaids, moleskin (already cut), etc. , disposable camera. Wear sunglasses , sunscreen, a watch and comfortable walking shoes. Bring your own bottle of water ($2.50 in the park)

4. Understand Fastpass and use it.
5. Do a character meal or at least one sit-down meal a day.
6. I like to go back to my resort and take a mid-day break- swim, rest, change. See how you feel.

7. My BEST tip: DO NOT try to "see it all". Enjoy what you do see and don't waste one moment worrying about what you won't. Make yourself stop and smell the roses. There are so many beautiful details you will miss if you just run around riding rides. I'm sure you will have a great time and know that you'll be planning your next trip while you are there!

 

[spectro man]

No questions asked.......GO TO MAGIC KINGDOM !!!!

 

[Rneighh]

If you love rides --- you have to do both. ToT and RnR just can't be missed. You then have to go to MK for Splash (my all time fav), Space, Thunder, and don't miss HM.

Renee

 

[kdibattista]

Even though MGM is our favorite park, if it's your first time and you can only do one.... I would say MK. It's classic!!!

 

[kel3420]

I always recommend people visit MK, regardless of anything, lol.

It really encompasses all that Disney is, and what a better way to start your Disney vacation.

 

[johnpaulsw]

I would have to agree here. MK is classic Disney. We went to both parks for the first time last month and we liked MGM better. However, we have been to Disneyland half a dozen times so MK didn't have the same impact as it would a first timer.

John

 

[disneyluv4]

MAGIC KINGDOM!!!

 

[pintrader]

I am nearly twice your age and while I love broadway shows, acts, musicals, RNR and rides, you just can't go to Disney World and NOT go to MK.

It is just what everybody relates to when they refer to Disney World. It's what they mean. Especially if they'be never been. It would be like going to Yelowstone National Park and when you returned people asked you what you thought of the "old Faithful" geyser and you told them you didn't go there while you were at Yellowstone.

If you end up choosing MGM, you will love it, but beware of the reactions when you tell others years from now that you were at WDW and you don't mean MK

Just an old gal with different life experiences.

 

[deirdrefitch]

Although MGM is a wonderful park, I too have to vote for MK.
MK is more like walking into a fairy tale. From the time you ride the monorail, enter the park and see the castle for the first time, it is a memory that will stay with you forever. All the magic of Disney is definitely enclosed in the MK. Every ride, show, and theme is wrapped around the Disney characters we all grew up loving. At MK, you don't have to be an adult. I am always a kid at heart in the MK.